Two of our member clubs have been honoured in the prestigious UEFA Grassroots Awards.

Ayr United Football Academy was named runner-up to Olympique de Marseille in the 'Best Professional Club' category, while Bo'ness United Community FC won bronze in the 'Best Amateur Club' section.

Both have rightly been recognised for their relentless efforts in their local communities.

The Scottish FA's Chief Football Officer, Andrew Gould, said: "We talk a lot about the everyday power of football, and it's embodied here by Ayr United Football Academy and Bo'ness United Community FC.

"Two clubs who are embedded in their communities, understand their needs and go above and beyond to help and to inspire.

"We are proud of their efforts and it's great to see them rightly recognised by UEFA."

Ayr United Football Academy

On Ayr United Football Academy, UEFA said: "Scottish second-tier club Ayr United delivers various projects for local people of all ages. The academy welcomes people regardless of their background or ability to play football, and has had a substantial positive impact on the local community."

Allan Gunning, AUFA Chair, summarised the broad range of activities on offer from The Honest Men.

He said: "This award is well-deserved recognition for all our participants.

"Our activities include Honest Kids, aimed at young people with a disability and wide range of other health and social inclusion programmes for all ages.

"The success of our childcare project has led to the Scottish Government investing £2 million to help roll this out in other parts of the country.

"We have a 'Strollers' group meeting weekly, in addition to The Honest Men's Club, numerous football participation centres for males and females from three years old to walking football classes that cater for all ages, abilities and interests.

"In addition to the community initiatives, we also provide a model of sporting excellence to support young people in pursuing individual goals and playing sport at the highest level.

"All of this activity is delivered by our dedicated staff and army of wonderful volunteers, and we thank them all for their efforts.

"Our success is also built on strong partnership working with South Ayrshire Council, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, the Scottish FA, Scottish Government and, of course, Ayr United Football Club, among many others.

"AUFA is a charity, and we are indebted to everyone who supports us. Together we are creating huge health, social and economic benefits for local communities.

"UEFA previously commissioned a study which showed our programmes deliver a £17 social return for every £1 we spend, which is a phenomenal gain on the investment we receive.

"The UEFA award is welcomed, but it's the work which sits behind it which makes the difference."

Ayr United FC's chairman, David Smith, added: "We are delighted to hear of Ayr United Football Academy's recognition of a silver award from UEFA.

"It's incredible to hear Ayr United mentioned in the same breath as Marseille. We would like to pass on our congratulations to them and, also, NK Istra 1961 from Croatia, who came third.

"The Ayr United Football Academy continues to grow from strength to strength and they are a huge part of enabling our vision to entertain, engage and inspire the town of Ayr and the local community."

Bo'ness United Community FC

UEFA's summary of Bo'ness United Community FC reads: "Bo'ness provides footballing opportunities and pathways for boys and girls aged from three to 18. The club runs many programmes, such as Fun Friday, midnight league football for teenagers and school sessions for local primary and high schools."

Peter Hay, Club Development Manager at Bo'ness United Community FC, said: “We are honoured and humbled to have received this award from UEFA, especially so soon after winning the Scottish FA's grassroots award.

"We have, from Day One, had great support from the Scottish FA's grassroots management team and, from humble beginnings, we have worked very hard on creating a real community-based football club in Bo'ness, based on proper family values, where everyone is included, equal, respected, and welcomed to play football at the level they desire to play at.

"We have very strong numbers across boys' and girls' pre-school, and the most pleasing thing for us is the number who have carried on that journey from pre-school to youth football and, eventually, adult football.

"The McDonald's programmes have allowed the club to reach more people in the local community to give more kids an opportunity to play fun-filled football on a Friday night. The numbers are amazing.

"Go Fitba holiday camps allow us to work with local schools and give the kids the chance to play football, get a good lunch and forge friendships. From a club perspective, that's very rewarding as you can see them grow with confidence.

"We also run women's recreational football and men's over-35s. We're used to seeing parents watching their kids, so when they play themselves it's nice to see that role-reversal and have the kids shouting to their parents to tell them where they’re going wrong!

"Again, working with McDonald's Fun Football, we've been able to partner with Barnardo's Scotland and help foodbanks in the local area. We've donated clothing and football equipment as far afield as Malawi.

Bo'ness in Malawi

"Our thought process is about how we can help others, as well as building a football legacy within our wee town.

"I'd like to thank everyone who supports our club – including Paul McNeill, Danny Bisland, Alan Morgan, Gary Doctor and Nichola Sturrock. This award is recognition for their hard work as well."

Click here to read more about this year’s UEFA Grassroots Awards.